Willis makes his First Team Debut

It was quite the night for youngster Aaron Willis when the Fords hosted Salford at The Mend-A-Hose Jungle as he made his first competitive appearance for the club. 

Less than a year ago, Aaron  was playing in the Fords’ academy and reserve set up. In the end of season awards, Willis was named the Academy Player of the year for his efforts and outstanding work both on and off the field. On the 9th June 2023, less than 12 months after winning the award, Aaron pulled on the Castleford jersey for the first time as a senior in the Super League against Salford Red Devils. 

When speaking to ctrlfc.com, Aaron spoke of his pride to represent the town and the dream he’d had as a youngster had finally come true. 

“It was obviously a massive honour, to run out for such a great club. It’s what I’ve been working for through the academy and it’s what I’ve been striving for. It was a good feeling, the hard work paying off.” 

“I was meant to be the 18th man, and with a few injuries, I found out about 1 o’clock on the day of the game. I got the call from Lasty saying I was coming off the bench and I’d be making my debut. I was shocked to be honest at first. I’d been told to prepare like I was going to play but I was still a bit shocked that I was actually going to play.” 

As a product of the Castleford Academy system after his old side Widnes Vikings had their academy folded, Willis stepped straight into the new regime at Wheldon Road and paid tribute to those who have given him a chance along the way. 

“The Castleford academy system has given me the opportunity and the guidance to help me. They support me and help me improve to this level.” 

However, Aaron isn’t a Cas lad, and isn’t from Yorkshire. The 19-year old left his hometown of Macclesfield to join the Fords, and moved over to the area to chase his dream of becoming a Super League player. So, why did he choose Castleford Tigers, and how has the move been beneficial to him? He went on to say, 

“I came up for a trial and I loved it straight away. All the lads were great and from there I stuck with it because I loved the place so much." 

“It’s great. I live with George Hill and Kieran Hudson so that’s great. We get each other through it. We were helping each other through pre-season where it’s a bit gloomy, so it’s great.” 

“The coaches have helped a lot. It’s a massive step up and you have to take a few months adjusting to it and getting used to what life is like being full time” 

During this season, Aaron has played a part in the dual registration system with the Midlands Hurricanes, in League 1. Having made 6 appearances for the Hurricanes, scoring 1 try, Willis explained how getting first team Rugby under his belt this season has benefitted his game as a whole. 

“It’s a huge step up playing against actual men. The physicality is a lot harder and it gets you used to having the big impacts and going again.” 

With the rest of the 2023 season ahead of him, Willis will be aiming for more appearances in the first team and to kick on from the progress he has made so far. 

“I just want to see if I can get a few more appearances. I don’t set myself those sort of goals. I just want to keep trying my hardest, keep grinding and just see what happens.” 

Aaron Willis is sponsored by RugbyTots.